House Supplemental Bans Permanent Bases and Requires Withdrawal Reports

May 12, 2009

On May 14, 2009, the House passed the war funding bill. While FCNL opposes all funding for war, FCNL expresses strong support for the following provisions:

1) Re-affirmation of the ban on permanent bases in Iraq
2) A ban on permanent bases in Afghanistan
3) Support for President Obama's due dates for withdrawal of combat troops from Iraq by August 31, 2010 and the complete withdrawal of all U.S. troops from Iraq by December 31, 2011
4) A requirement of quarterly reports from the Pentagon on the progress of withdrawal from Iraq.

This supplemental is expected to be voted on by the Senate later this week or next. FCNL will keep you posted on latest developments.



BAN ON PERMANENT BASES IN IRAQ

SEC. 10019. None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this or any other Act shall be obligated or expended by the United States Government for a purpose as follows:

(1) To establish any military installation or base for the purpose of providing for the permanent stationing of United States Armed Forces in Iraq.

(2) To exercise United States control over any oil resource of Iraq.

BAN ON PERMANENT BASES IN AFGHANISTAN

SEC. 10020. None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this or any other Act shall be obligated or expended by the United States Government for the purpose of establishing any military installation or base for the purpose of providing for the permanent stationing of United States Armed Forces in Afghanistan.

SUPPORT FOR WITHDRAWAL DEADLINES & REQUIREMENT OF PENTAGON REPORTS ON PROGRESS OF WITHDRAWAL FROM IRAQ

SEC. 10021. (a) REPORT ON IRAQ TROOP DRAWDOWN STATUS, GOALS, AND TIMETABLE.-In recognition and support of the policy of President Barack Obama to withdraw all United States combat brigades from Iraq by August 31, 2010, and all United States military forces from Iraq on December 31, 2011, Congress directs the Secretary of Defense (in consultation with other members of the National Security Council) to prepare a report that identifies troop drawdown status and goals and includes-

(1) a detailed, month-by-month description of the transition of United States military forces and equipment out of Iraq; and

(2) a detailed, month-by-month description of the transition of United States contractors out of Iraq.

(b) ELEMENTS OF REPORT.-At a minimum, the Secretary of Defense shall address the following:

(1) How the Government of Iraq is assuming the responsibility for reconciliation initiatives as the mission of the United States Armed Forces transitions.

(2) How the drawdown of military forces complies with the President's planned withdrawal of combat brigades by August 31, 2010, and all United States forces by December 31, 2011;

(3) The roles and responsibilities of remaining contractors in Iraq as the United States mission evolves, including the anticipated number of United States contractors to remain in Iraq after August 31, 2010, and December 31, 2011.

(c) SUBMISSION.-Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 90 days thereafter through September 30, 2010, the Secretary of Defense shall submit the report required by subsection (a) and a classified annex to the report, as necessary.